The World Psychiatry Congress invites members of the public, filmmakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups to submit short documentary excerpts related to psychiatry and mental health for consideration in a special film session at the Congress. The films should be of a documentary nature or a public education film (no full length feature films will be selected).

A dedicated selection committee will review all submissions and select four documentary excerpts to be screened during a 60-minute curated session, followed by discussion.

Eligibility & Submission Criteria

To ensure a fair, accessible, and meaningful selection process, all submissions must meet the following criteria:

Content & Theme

  • The documentary must relate to psychiatry, mental health, or mental health care.
  • Submissions may address topics such as (but not limited to):
    • Anti-stigma and public education
    • Case studies or lived experience
    • Innovative approaches to mental health care
  • All submitters must have contributed to the creation of the film.

Length

  • Submissions must be a 10–15 minute excerpt from a longer documentary (unless the film is a shorter film).
  • The excerpt should represent how the filmmakers intend the work to be shown to a live audience (longer than a trailer, but not a full film).

Production Date

  • The documentary must have been produced within the last 3–5 years.

Format & Accessibility

  • Video format only (no slide presentations).
  • The file must be accessible worldwide, with no geoblocking or regional restrictions.
  • English subtitles must be embedded in the video at the time of submission (subtitles “available upon request” will not be accepted).

Rights & Permissions

Submitters must confirm that they:

    • Hold the copyright to the film or
    • Have explicit permission for public screening at an international congress.

Selection Process

  • All eligible submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee.
  • Four excerpts will be selected for public screening.
  • Selection will be based on relevance, clarity, originality, impact, and suitability for discussion in a scientific congress setting.

One representative from each selected film will be invited to introduce the excerpt during the session. Participation is self-funded, and no screening fees will be paid by the WPA.

How to Apply

Please submit your documentary excerpt using the application form below:

SUBMIT NOW